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Metabolic biomarkers of clinical outcomes in severe mental illness (METPSY): protocol for a prospective observational study in the Hub for metabolic psychiatry
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease have been noted to occur more frequently in individuals with severe mental health disorders. According to recent research, metabolic problems may contribute to the emergence of serious mental diseases. Still, additional research is needed to identify key metabolic indicators that influence mental health outcomes and to uncover the mechanisms behind them. The METPSY study presented by Rakshasa-Loots et al. (2025) aims to explore the connection between metabolic factors and the clinical progression of severe mental illnesses in young adults. The study will recruit 120 young adults aged 16-25 from Scotland, including those with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and healthy controls, for an observational study. Clinical assessments will occur at three in-person visits (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months), and participants will provide blood samples for metabolic biomarker analysis through untargeted metabolomics using RHIMMS technology. Remote assessments will take place at 3 and 9 months, including Ecological Momentary Assessments for mental health, wrist actigraphy to track activity and rest cycles, and continuous glucose monitoring for metabolic changes. Sleep patterns will be monitored using radar-based technology (Somnofy) throughout the year. Advanced statistical methods and machine learning will be used to explore the relationship between metabolic health and mental health in young adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. [NPID: Metabolomics, depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sleep, symptoms, biomarkers, circadian rhythms]
Year: 2025
